The Nigerian government has mandated electricity distribution companies (Discos) to replace outdated meters phased out due to technological upgrades. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) clarified that although there is no immediate order to discontinue Unistar meters, these meters will soon become obsolete, affecting users’ ability to purchase electricity.
NERC emphasized that Discos are responsible for ensuring uninterrupted metering services, with replacements required to meet customers’ needs. As the country struggles with a metering gap of nearly seven million, some Discos have asked customers to acquire new meters before a November 14 deadline. NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, explained that the Token Identifier Rollover issue is the primary reason Unistar meters will be phased out, as they cannot be upgraded.
Oseni also stressed that no customer should be denied access to electricity or placed on estimated billing during the transition. Under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, Discos are expected to provide a clear refund mechanism for customers who buy new meters. He added that ensuring a seamless replacement process is essential to prevent frustration when users encounter vending issues with phased-out meters.